Social safety net allowances being sent to beneficiaries’ mobile wallets: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government is sending allowances under social safety net (SSN) programmes directly to the beneficiaries' mobile wallets to get rid of middlemen.

"We have been trying to send allowances directly to the beneficiaries for some time, so that they can use the money as per their needs," she said.

The premier said this while inaugurating allowances distribution ceremony at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), joining virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

She said the government wants to provide allowances directly to various segments of disadvantaged people, and the disbursement is being done via mobile financial service (MFS) operators Nagad and bKash.

Mentioning that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had initiated programmes for rural people such as rural social welfare activity to change the fate and livelihood of people, Sheikh Hasina said Awami League -- after coming to power -- has taken up the unfinished schemes of Bangabandhu and is working for people's welfare.

The allowances were given directly through MFS, following G2P system, among the elderly, widowed and abandoned women, and financially insolvent physically challenged persons. Education stipends to the physically challenged students are also being distributed under the SSN programmes.

Deputy Commissioners of Chandpur, Pirojpur, Lalmonirhat and Netrakona districts were connected with the distribution ceremony where members of the parliament, superintendents of police, chairmen of Zila Parishad, Awami League leaders and officials concerned were present.

Beneficiaries also talked with the Prime Minister and expressed their gratitude for the allowances.

They said it would facilitate them to spend the money easily to fulfil their needs.

Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed, MP also spoke on the occasion where social welfare secretary Mohammad Jainul Bari gave the welcome speech.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Kaikaus moderated the event.